Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country

From the cozy vantage of the mini-coach, take in panoramic scenes that span the city skyline, Alcatraz Island and the boat-speckled bay. We’ll next take the winding coastal mountain path through the Marin Headlands where you’ll see the base of Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region) before we arrive in the cool, shaded canyon home to these special coastal redwoods. 

The Marin Headlands are a striking coastal region located just north of San Francisco. This rugged terrain is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and rich natural beauty, offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Headlands feature a mix of grassy hills, wildflower-strewn meadows, and historic military sites, including old fortifications and radar stations. Its diverse ecosystems and scenic hiking trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing a picturesque escape from the urban environment of nearby San Francisco.

Are you ready to feel small next to a redwood?

Step off the mini-bus and into a lush, green wonderland, where you’ll have an hour to an hour and a half to explore the wooden boardwalks that wind through the tallest trees on Earth. These majestic trees, which thrive only in Northern California and Oregon, owe their unique growth to the thick fog that blankets the West Coast during the summer months.

In 1908, Senator William Kent and his wife donated this land to the state, leading President Theodore Roosevelt to designate it as a federally protected area. Muir Woods is the last remaining stand of old-growth forest in the Bay Area, offering a rare opportunity to reconnect with a natural world that was nearly lost forever.

Muir Woods National Monument, located just 12 miles north of San Francisco in Marin County, is a haven for those seeking to experience the majesty of ancient coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). Named after the renowned naturalist John Muir, the monument is home to some trees that are over 1,200 years old and can reach heights of more than 250 feet.

The park’s trails weave through a dense, shaded forest, where the ground is lush with ferns, and the air is cool and fragrant with the earthy scent of redwood bark. The redwoods’ reddish-brown bark, massive trunks, and lofty canopies create a peaceful, cathedral-like atmosphere that invites quiet reflection.

These coast redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth, perfectly adapted to the foggy coastal environment of Northern California. Their shallow yet widespread root systems provide stability against strong winds and floods, while their thick, tannin-rich bark offers protection from fire, insects, and disease. Muir Woods offers a glimpse into the primeval landscapes of ancient forests, providing a perfect setting to appreciate the grandeur of these living giants.

Next, we’ll stop for lunch in Sonoma’s historic town square. You can either pack a lunch or purchase something to eat from one of the local eateries. If time permits, take a stroll through the Mission San Francisco Solano to delve into the area’s rich history. You might also enjoy sampling cheeses at Sonoma Jack’s Cheese Factory or exploring the charming boutique shops that line the quaint town square.

Mission San Francisco Solano, founded on July 4, 1823, by Father José Altimira, is notable as the 21st and final mission built in California. Unlike earlier missions established under Spanish rule, San Francisco Solano was founded after Mexico’s independence from Spain, making it the only mission initiated under Mexican governance. The mission played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and European agricultural practices in Northern California, though it faced challenges, including conflicts with local indigenous communities and the harsh realities of the mission system. In 1834, the Mexican government secularized the missions, leading to the decline of San Francisco Solano as a religious institution. Sonoma subsequently became a significant site in the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, which contributed to California’s transition from Mexican to American control. Today, both the mission and the town of Sonoma are preserved as important historical landmarks, reflecting California’s rich and complex past.

Now is the time to kick back, practice your wine-swill technique, and enjoy the incredible selection of wines offered by our expert selection of wineries, one in the picturesque Sonoma Valley and one in the famous Napa Valley. Our friendly hosts will take us through a variety of white, red, and dessert wines at our favorite wineries such as Bouchaine, Kieu Hoang, Homewood, Larson and Robledo, among others. While each winery offers a selection of tastings included in this package, additional tasting fees may apply if you’re hankering to try a selection not on the tasting menu.

Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley, both esteemed wine regions in California, offer distinct wine experiences shaped by their unique climates, soils, and traditions. Napa Valley is renowned primarily for its Cabernet Sauvignon, producing bold, full-bodied wines with rich flavors, thanks to its warm climate and well-drained soils. The region’s focus on Cabernet has earned it an international reputation, making it a go-to destination for lovers of robust red wines. In contrast, Sonoma Valley offers a more diverse range of grape varieties, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being particularly prominent. Sonoma’s cooler, coastal-influenced climate and varied topography allow for a wider array of wine styles, from crisp, elegant whites to complex, nuanced reds. While both regions produce exceptional wines, Napa’s emphasis is on the power and intensity of its Cabs, whereas Sonoma is celebrated for its versatility and the breadth of its wine offerings.

Once you’re cozy from all the wine-tasting your heart desires, we’ll set our course back toward San Francisco. Have you been waiting for that iconic Golden Gate Bridge photo op? Wait no longer! Our final stop will be to stop and take in the awe-inspiring views from the bridge; which, contrary to popular belief, is named for the Golden Gate Strait which is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

We’ll end the day with a drop-off at your San Francisco hotel with plenty of time to find a nice spot to grab dinner.